Walker: Same-day voter registration absurd issue

Governor says practice has been fraught with problems

Gov. Scott Walker said the debate over ending same-day voter registration is a ridiculous issue even as GOP lawmakers announced they're working on a bill.

Republican Rep. Joel Kleefisch announced Wednesday he's drafting legislation to end same-day registration. The announcement came shortly after Walker told reporters during a question-and-answer period the issue is ridiculous and it's not one of his legislative priorities. He said lawmakers should be focused on jobs.

The governor said last week, though, that he would sign legislation doing away with the practice. He told reporters on Wednesday same-day registration has been fraught with problems for years but didn't go into specifics.

Walker said the media should focus on his efforts to create jobs and groups talking about same-day registration should instead devote their resources to helping him develop the state's workforce.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a Democrat, said Republicans are trying to change the rules because they didn't do well on Election Day.

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